You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Norco and St. Charles Parish.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electricity bills will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try running a test for approximately a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while following the tips above. You might be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually results in a higher electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to pick the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling bills low.
- Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it work more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life span, since it allows professionals to find small problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and increase your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Mayeuxs AC & Heating
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Mayeuxs AC & Heating pros can assist you. Reach us at (985) 764-2426 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.
